Pinterest vs. Instagram for Local Businesses: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pinterest and Instagram are both powerful visual platforms, but when it comes to attracting local clients—such as hairstylists, barbers, and beauty professionals—they work very differently. If your goal is to get more local customers, Instagram is the better choice, while Pinterest can be useful for other business strategies, such as affiliate marketing or running paid ads.
In this guide, we’ll break down step-by-step how each platform works for local businesses, when to use Pinterest, and how to make the most of Instagram for client attraction.
Step 1: Understanding How Each Platform Works
- Pinterest acts more like a search engine than a social media platform. People use it to find inspiration, tutorials, and product recommendations rather than to engage with local businesses directly.
- Organic reach on Pinterest is not location-based, meaning your pins are shown to users globally rather than targeting local audiences.
- Best for: Blog traffic, affiliate marketing, and product-based businesses. Just make sure you create Pinterest SEO optimised boards and pins.
- Instagram is social and local, making it ideal for businesses that rely on foot traffic or local clientele.
- The algorithm prioritizes location-based content, meaning hashtags, location tags, and geotargeted ads help attract nearby clients.
- Best for: Building brand awareness, engaging with local customers, and showcasing your work.
Step 2: When to Use Pinterest for a Local Business
If you are a hairstylist, barber, or beauty professional, Pinterest alone won’t drive local clients unless you run paid ads. However, you can use Pinterest in these scenarios:
✅ Affiliate Marketing – If you use and recommend specific products in your tutorials, you can product-link them in your pins and drive traffic to affiliate products or your online shop.
✅ Selling Digital Products – If you offer downloadable guides (e.g., “DIY Haircare for Curly Hair”), Pinterest can drive global traffic to your sales page.
✅ Building a YouTube Channel or Blog – If you post hair tutorials on YouTube or a blog, Pinterest can send traffic to those platforms.
⚠️ When NOT to use Pinterest: If your only goal is to get more in-person clients, organic Pinterest traffic won’t help much unless you pay for Pinterest Ads with geo-targeting.
Step 3: How to Use Instagram to Attract Local Clients
If your goal is to get more local clients, Instagram should be your main focus. Here’s how to make it work effectively:
✅ 1. Optimize Your Instagram Profile for Local Search
- Username & Bio: Include your city or service area (e.g., “LA Hairstylist | Healthy Hair Specialist”).
- Contact Info: Add your phone number, email, and a “Book Now” link.
- Location Tagging: Turn on location services so people nearby can find you.
✅ 2. Use Location-Based Hashtags & Tags
- Instead of just using #Hairstylist, add local hashtags like:
- #LAHairstylist
- #HoustonBarber
- #NYCBlondeSpecialist
- Always tag your salon’s location in your posts and stories.
✅ 3. Post Client Transformations & Before/After Photos
- Share real client photos with captions that tell a story (e.g., “Sarah came in wanting a bold new look—here’s the magic we created! ✨”).
- Video reels of hair transformations do especially well in the algorithm.
✅ 4. Engage With Local Clients & Businesses
- Follow & comment on local influencers, businesses, and potential clients.
- DM potential customers who engage with your posts.
- Collaborate with local businesses for cross-promotions (e.g., a nail salon tagging you when their clients need hair services).
✅ 5. Use Instagram Ads to Target Local Clients
If you have a small budget, Instagram Ads are a great way to reach people in your area.
- Run promos (e.g., “10% off first-time clients – Book Today!”)
- Use geotargeting to show ads only in your city or neighborhood.
Step 4: Combining Both Platforms for Maximum Success
While Instagram is best for local businesses, you can still use Pinterest strategically:
- Use Instagram to attract local clients and book appointments.
- Use Pinterest for affiliate marketing, product sales, or building a blog/Youtube channel.
- If you sell online products, use both platforms to drive sales.
Final Verdict: Which Platform Should You Use?
| Goal | Best Platform |
|---|---|
| Getting local clients | |
| Promoting services locally | |
| Running location-based ads | Instagram & Pinterest Ads |
| Earning from affiliate marketing | |
| Selling digital products | Pinterest & Instagram |
| Growing a YouTube channel |
Bottom Line: If you’re a hairstylist or barber looking for local clients, Instagram is the way to go. Pinterest is only useful if you want to expand into affiliate marketing, digital products, or paid ads.
